Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Mr A A Adams and Mr P A Tuthill.

None.

Members of the public wishing to take part should notify the Head of Legal and Democratic Services in writing or by e-mail indicating the nature and content of their proposed participation no later than 9.00am on the working day before the meeting (27 November 2019).  Enquiries can be made through the telephone number/e-mail address below.

None.

(previously circulated)

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 30 September 2019 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Board considered the feedback provided by Scrutiny Panel Chairmen following the discussion of Quarter 2 (July - September 2019) performance monitoring information and budget monitoring information for period.

Panel feedback for Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel and the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee which were unavailable at the time of agenda despatch were circulated during the meeting.

It was agreed that an informal meeting of Panel Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to discuss 2020/21 budget proposals would be arranged ahead of formal consideration by the Board on 29 January 2020.

The Board considered the scrutiny proposal on Elective Home Education and it was agreed that a Task Group led by Councillor Fran Oborski should be set up.

The Board noted the written member updates sent out with the agenda and the Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel and HOSC update (unavailable at the time of despatch) circulated at the meeting.  In addition, the following issues were also discussed.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

At its meeting on 30 September 2019, the Board agreed that there would be some joint work between Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel and HOSC to look at CAMHS and a joint meeting would be set up to facilitate this.  Given the complexity of the service and the number of partners involved, it was suggested on reflection, that a Scrutiny Task Group may be more appropriate.  Accordingly, it was agreed that a Scrutiny Proposal would be considered at the next meeting of the Board.

Quality Assurance of Care and Nursing Homes in Worcestershire Scrutiny Task Group

The Lead Member of the Task Group advised that the Task Group was drawing to a conclusion and the report would be presented to the Board at its next meeting.

Crime & Disorder

The Lead Member for Crime & Disorder advised that she would like to look at the impact of gateway drugs on young people.  Accordingly, it was agreed that a Scrutiny Proposal would be considered at the next meeting of the Board.

Work Programme

It was agreed that the following additional items would be added to Scrutiny Work Programmes:

·         The Council Policy relating to when funding runs out for self-funded residential care payments (Adult Care and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Panel)

·         The County Council’s Talent Programme, Organisational Re-design and Worcestershire County Council Energy Purchasing Arrangements, Information sharing with District Councils (Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel)

·         Climate Change (Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel).

The Chairman and Vice–Chairman would meet following the conclusion of the budget process in early 2020 to review the work programme.

Cabinet Forward Plan

·         The New Model of Delivery for Medical Education Provision was due to be discussed by Cabinet on 30 January 2020 – The Chairman of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel advised that this issue had been on the Work Programme for the Panel for some time but had been deferred a number of times due to Cabinet deferring the discussion.  It was agreed to check with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills that the issue would definitely be discussed at Cabinet in January.